Bill raises pay for people serving disabled

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A measure in Maryland would ensure people who provide direct service to the developmentally disabled would get a pay raise, if the state raises its minimum wage.

The bill is getting a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee Thursday.

It would require the hourly wage to be at least 50 percent above the minimum wage. The state currently funds $9.82 an hour in the rate paid to community providers for direct support wages. Supporters say raising the state's minimum wage without increasing the hourly reimbursement rate would leave people who serve the developmentally disabled making minimum wage.

Maryland lawmakers are considering a variety of proposals to raise the minimum wage. A bill backed by Gov. Martin O'Malley would raise it from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour by 2016.

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